Abstract: Methods are provided for quantifying the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A protein (p16) p16 protein directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by SRM/MRM mass spectrometry. A protein sample is prepared from the biological sample using, for example, the Liquid Tissue reagents and protocol and the p16 protein is quantitated in the resulting sample by quantitating in the protein sample at least one fragment peptide from p16. Peptides can be quantitated in modified or unmodified form. An example of a modified form of a p16 peptide is phosphorylation of a tyrosine, threonine, serine, and/or other amino acid residues within the peptide sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca comprising liquid vehicles which include one or more semifluorinated alkanes. The compositions incorporate an active ingredient selected from the group of macrolide immunosuppressants. They can be administered topically into the eye. The invention further provides kits comprising such compositions.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the presence or amount of testosterone in a test sample, comprising ionizing all or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample to produce one or more testosterone ions that are detectable in a mass spectrometer. All or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample is ionized to produce one or more testosterone ions, which may be isolated and fragmented to produce precursor ions. A separately detectable internal testosterone standard can be provided in the sample. In a preferred embodiment, the reference is 2,2,4,6,6-d5 testosterone.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for topical administration comprising an analgesic effective amount of a peptide comprising L-amino acids of the formula (I): pGLU-X—Y-Z M (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. X is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of GLY, VAL, GLU, ASP, SER, ALA, ASN, GLN, ILE, LEU, PRO, LYS and ARG, Y is TRP or THR, and Z is any L-amino acid, or Z is null. When Z is any L-amino acid, one but not both of Y and Z is TRP, and when Z is null, Y=TRP. An alkyl group may be attached to an amino acid of the peptide. Also disclosed are the peptide, the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition and a topical method of treating or preventing pain in a mammal.